Girnar Jain Tirth: The Divine Moksha Sthali of Lord Neminath
Located in the Junagadh district of Saurashtra, Gujarat, Girnar Parvat is a majestic and divine mountain range. It holds immense spiritual significance in Jainism as the Nirvana Bhumi (place of salvation) of the 22nd Tirthankar, Lord Neminath.
Key Highlight (मुख्य बिंदु)
हिंदी: यह भगवान नेमिनाथ (जैन धर्म के 22वें तीर्थंकर) की मोक्ष एवं ज्ञान कल्याणक स्थली है। गिरनार की पाँचवी टोंक पर उन्हें मोक्ष प्राप्त हुआ था।
Geographical Facts (सामान्य तथ्य)
Historically known as Raivataka in the Mahabharata, the Girnar hills have an average height of 3,500 feet, with the highest peak reaching 3,666 feet. The area is also famous for the Asiatic Lion, though their numbers are strictly monitored.
Location: Approx. 2 km from Junagadh city, Gujarat.
Historical Significance & Inscriptions
The ancient name of Girnar was Urjayanta. Beyond its spiritual allure, the mountain is an open-air archive of Indian history.
- Emperor Ashoka: At the foothills, a massive rock bears 14 Dharma Edicts carved by Emperor Ashoka.
- Rudradaman (150 AD): A Sanskrit inscription detailing the reconstruction of the Sudarshan Lake dam after a massive storm. It mentions the golden sands (Suvarnasikta) and Palashini rivers.
- Skandagupta (458 AD): Mentions the repair of the dam by Chakrapalita, son of the governor Parnadatta, after it was destroyed by heavy rains.
Historical Highlight (इतिहास)
हिंदी: पहाड़ी की तलहटी में एक बृहत चट्टान पर अशोक के मुख्य 14 धर्मलेख उत्कीर्ण हैं। इसी चट्टान पर क्षत्रप रुद्रदामन् का और गुप्तसम्राट् स्कंदगुप्त के समय का भी अभिलेख है।
Jain Religious Significance
After Palitana and Sammed Shikhar, Girnar is a primary pilgrimage site for Jains. According to the Puranas, Lord Neminath was the son of King Samudravijaya and Queen Shivadevi of Shauryapur. He was the cousin of Lord Krishna (Since Neminath's father was the brother of Vasudev, Krishna's father).
Historically, there are 8 sacred spots on the mountain, with the first five being the famous "Tonks."
The Five Sacred Tonks of Girnar (पाँच टोक)
1. First Tonk: The Temple Complex
This area houses over 100 Digambar and Shvetambar temples dating from the 5th to the 16th century. Reaching here requires climbing approximately 7,000 steps.
- Oldest Temple: Built during the time of King Kumarapala.
- Mallinath Temple: Built by Vastupal and Tejpal in 1237 AD (Vikram Samvat 1288).
- Neminath Temple: The largest and most magnificent, completed around 1277 AD.
2. Second Tonk
Dedicated to Muni Aniruddha Kumar Ji. It marks the spot where he took Diksha and attained Moksha.
3. Third Tonk
Dedicated to Muni Shambhu Kumar Ji, who attained Nirvana here after severe penance.
4. Fourth Tonk
Dedicated to Muni Pradyumna Kumar Ji, believed to be the son of Lord Krishna according to Jain texts. A rock here features engraved footprints and an idol.
5. Fifth Tonk: Neminath Shikhar (नेमिशिखर)
This is the holiest peak where Lord Neminath’s Charan Paduka (footprints) are enshrined. It is the exact location of his Moksha.
The 5th Peak (पंचम टोक)
हिंदी: गिरनार पर्वत की पाँचवी चोटी को नेमिशिखर के नाम से पहचाना जाता है, यहाँ भगवान नेमिनाथ की चरण पादुका है। इसी शिखर से भगवान नेमिनाथ को मोक्ष प्राप्त हुआ था।
Historical Note: Mr. Burgess noted in 1874-75 that a heavy bell hung beside the padukas. A canopy (Chhatri) built by a devotee from Bundi existed here but was destroyed by lightning in 1981.
Other Significant Sites
Sahsavan (सहसावन)
The site of Lord Neminath's Diksha Kalyanak (Initiation) and Keval Gyan Kalyanak (Omniscience). A grand temple marks the spot where he attained enlightenment.
Rajul’s Cave (राजुल की गुफा)
Dedicated to Mata Rajul, who was betrothed to Neminath. When Neminath renounced the world before their wedding, Rajul also took the path of renunciation and performed penance here.
Ambika Mata Temple (अंबामाता का मंदिर)
Dedicated to the Yakshini of Lord Neminath, Goddess Ambika. She is depicted as golden/blue-hued, riding a lion, and holding a mango branch. In ancient times, devotees would plant mango trees nearby in her honor.